Behind the scene: Artist-in-residence at the Atelier lyrique

by Martina Myskohlid and Mishael Eusebio - Artists-in-residence

Martina: Hello Montreal Opéra lovers! Martina and Mish here for our first episode of the Moments with Mishina podcast! I’m Martina, a mezzo-soprano in my first year with the Atelier, and I’m here with my friend and fellow first year, Mishael!

Mishael: Hello everyone! I’m a tenor!

Martina: (jokingly) How do you know if a tenor is a tenor? They’ll tell you. If you’re reading this, you’re likely sitting down in Wilfrid Pelletier on November 21, anxiously waiting for this evening’s show to begin. You may be thinking to yourself, “I wonder what it’s like to prepare for a concert like this...”

Mishael: Well, for example you and I are in the Rossini Trio “Ah, qual colpo” where the Count reveals his true identity to Rosina while Figaro keeps guard. What you’ll see on stage is us having a blast, but let me tell you it takes a huge amount of work to get there!

Martina: Absolutely, Mish. Hundreds of hours learning the notes, the Italian, the bel canto style, and the staging have led us to this very evening.

Mishael: So Martina, I’m curious - how do you start? When you first think of putting a character up on its feet, what comes to mind?

Martina: Before I even learn the notes? Well, I do my research on the opera as a whole. I find out who Rosina is, what her relationship to each character is, and how I may or may not relate to her in order to figure out what dramatic direction and character research I’ll need to engage in. Rosina is an eye-catching, cheeky, “rebel on her own.”

Mishael: (jokingly) So your research on her must not have taken so long! Which leads me to think - you know, we’ll often go through hours and hours of tedious preparation just to sing a single measure and it can really bog you down! The trick, and I’m sure you can relate, is to not take yourself so seriously! Even the most dramatic moments have to feel like there’s bound to be a wink at the end. That way we stay fresh, we stay curious and we feel like we have no idea what’s going to happen even though we’ve just about rehearsed the scene for the hundredth time!

Martina: You bet, *winks.* This evening, you’ll not only catch me singing Rosina, but also Mercédès in the Carmen trio, and Alisa in the Donizetti sextet. This concert is a super special one for me because it will be my first performance with an orchestra in ten months. Singing with an orchestra is like the moment you walk into your own surprise party. All your friends are there, cheering for you, supporting you, and celebrating you. The feeling is weightless and truly magical.

Mishael: Yes. You’re getting me into a sentimental mood - all the feels, haha. I’m also super grateful because I got to sing with an orchestra for the first opera of the season, Le flambeau de la nuit!

Martina: Yes, that was such a great evening. You know, Mish, I’m just thinking about a recent success of ours, getting to the semi-finals of the OSM Competition!

Mishael: Huge congrats on getting into finals by the way! Go l’Atelier!!

Martina: Thanks! Hey btw- aren’t you getting on a train literally this evening, immediately following the concert, to participate in a workshop in Toronto?! Tell us more!

Mishael: I would if I could *wink* but my contract says I can’t just yet haha. In the meantime mum and dad if you are reading this, text me where to meet after the show!

Mishael Eusebio, tenor

Martina: OMG - your parents are in the audience?! So are mine!! We’re so lucky to have such supportive families. Speaking of supportive families, even though Mish and I have only been an official part of the Atelier lyrique for two and a half months, we are awed by the marvelous support, welcomeness, and encouragement from everyone on the team.

Mishael: Like, it feels so tight-knit here to the point where Patrick Corrigan will just sit and have lunch with us in the office. Because of that, I really feel like putting on this concert was so easy because you know everyone has your back.

Martina: Absolutely! We are so lucky to be a part of this ensemble and we can’t wait for the audience to join in the warmth, excitement, and pure talent that is l’Atelier lyrique!

Mishael: Let’s get this party started!